Lady Brittany's Love (11 page)

Chapter Twenty One

With their tea tray removed and a long table delivered, Brittany took up were she’d left off with the faux copy. At the other end Sally continued to decipher the anagrams from the original.

After about thirty minutes Brittany rang for Aggie.

“Yes, m’ lady?”

“I need you to go to the library. On the desk you’ll find several books. I need you to bring them to me.”

“At once, m’ lady,” she replied, curtsied and slipped from the room.

Glancing to Sally, Brittany noted her friend had a quizzical expression in her eyes.

“Did you find something which might help find out who the leader is?” Sally asked.

“Remember when I said most of what Hersey wrote had been penned a very long time ago. Well, I’ve come across several passages which are new to me. It would seem Lord Hersey might have been to Africa. Aggie bring me the books I brought so I may compare them. If I’m correct then it’s possible he had been there as he claims.”

“If you give me the page numbers of where you are, I’ll see if there might be an anagram,” Sally replied.

“The first difference occurs on page fifty six. It starts at the top of the page. Then, page fifty eight at the chapter beginning.”

Brittany stood and started to pace about while she waited for Sally to locate the first instance. After a few heartbeats she saw Sally smile.

“Give me a few minutes as there are several and the first one is twelve letters long.” Sally started in.

Brittany stopped and spun about. “Are there three letters then two letters the same?” Brittany said, retaking her seat.

“Why, yes? How did you know?”

“My dear, that’s because what you see is a person’s name. Someone we both are acquainted with— Mr. Winterbottom,” Brittany declared with confidence.

“Give me a second to confirm your suspicion.”

Brittany had even more reason to worry about the safety of the book. If Mr. Winterbottom hadn’t been behind the attempts to steal it, then he knew who could be? Brittany stood and took up her pacing while waiting for Sally to finish solving the several new anagrams. Hearing a grumble from Sally she wanted to respond when her suite door opened and Aggie with a maid stepped in.

“M’ ladies, here are the books you requested. Her Ladyship suggested another tea tray to help keep your strength up.”

“Thank you. Set the books on the table and the tray on the one by the fireplace.”

“Yes, m’ lady.”

With a head bob, Brittany dismissed both before turning to Sally.

“Let’s take a few minutes to do as Mother recommended. Also, I have an uncomfortable feeling if things turn out as expected, we will need to deal with
those
men. I don’t know about you but that doesn’t sit well with me,” she explained.

“I agree.”

A short while later Brittany smiled. What she’d suspected about the new passages were true. The only way they could have been written would be if someone had been to Africa. Of this she was positive.

“Yes, and you’re correct about the name. It’s Mr. Winterbottom and I’ve found several references to Hersey also,” Sally said, with a smile.

“Wonderful, were you able to discern which is in charge of the slavery ring?”

“Not yet, I need to go back to where I left off before finding this new information.”

“I believe it’s time we invite Mother and Lady Wallace into our discussion. They also might have a suggestion on how to deal with Samuel and Cole,” Brittany said.

Ringing for her maid she asked if Aggie knew where Her Ladyships were.

“I believe they’re in the countess’ sitting room reading.”

“Thank you. Wait, as we may need your assistance.”

She and Sally would be able to, with the books and papers, sneak down the back stairs and slip into her mother’s parlor. What made everything so enjoyable, the men would never learn what they’d found until the right time.

“Aggie, I need you to quietly request an audience for Miss Crocker and myself. Return with the answer. We’ll need your help in bringing some of these books with us,” Brittany instructed.

While waiting for a response Brittany made sure her hair didn’t need to be repaired. Next, she started to collect the books and mark the pages. She saw Sally had done the same, when a knock sounded on the door.

“Come in,” she called out, her back to the door, putting the final marker into the book.

“My dear, you wished to speak with us.”

Spinning around, Brittany’s mouth dropped open in surprise.

“Mother, Lady Wallace what are you doing here,” she sputtered.

“When you requested to speak with us we suspected it must be very important and having to do with the book. As such, we decided to come to you,” Barbara expounded, stepping into the suite with Lady Wallace at her side.

“You’re correct. If you will take a seat at the table Sally and I can explain what we found. Then, with your support to keep the men in line, to wit Samuel and Cole, we wish to tell them what we’ve learned,” Brittany said, explaining her reason for this private gathering.

With her mother and godmother seated, slowly, carefully, and precisely Brittany laid out everything she’d found. Once finished, she nodded to Sally to describe what she’d learned from the anagrams, culminating with pointing out Mr. Winterbottom and Hersey’s names.

“Mother, we know the men want to find and bring to justice the criminals involved, however I fear they will overlook what Sally and I’ve found. We wish you and my godmother present when we lay the facts at their feet. This way none of them can or will brush us off as silly headed females,” Brittany declared.

“I agree. To that end we must set the proper tone in which they will listen and not speak unless asked. I feel, as does Lady Wallace, you both should treat Lords Samuel and Cole with a certain amount of disdain for their dishonesty,” Barbara told them.

“I also believe the proper venue is important to set them off balance. If I’m not mistaken there’s one room within this entire mansion which will set the correct mood. The formal sitting room,” Lady Wallace declared.

“Shall we adjourn there and order refreshment,” Sally suggested.

“Yes, but only tea. I don’t believe the men need anything stronger than that,” Barbara added, to nods from the others.

Brittany noticed her lady’s maid had slipped into the suite and waited near the door.

“Aggie, please have a tea tray brought to the formal sitting room then have Peter report to the countess,” she ordered.

“It will be my pleasure,” she responded, then stepped out.

When they entered Brittany noticed some of the furniture had been rearranged. In front of the fireplace two matching light green divans had been placed side by side. Several feet in front, a long table. What she did find most intriguing the chairs had been removed to the walls. From the amazed look on Sally’s face, the elder ladies meant business.

“This should prove to be an interesting audience,” Brittany whispered, to her friend which earned a smile.

“As you ladies can see I’ve already anticipated your needs. The table is for you to lay out your findings which the gentlemen will have no choice but to evaluate as you explain them,” Lady Wallace declared, before taking a seat on one of the settees.

Brittany set the books down then glanced to see Sally spreading out the pieces of foolscap she’d jotted her notes on. She barely finished when the sound of footsteps outside the formal sitting room caught her attention.

“Hurry, for we must be seated before they enter,” Brittany pleaded with Sally.

They barely sat when Peter swung opened the door.

“M’ ladies, His Lordship with Samuel, Earl of Brockworth and Cole, Earl of Williamson as ordered.”

As the three stormed in, Brittany tried to hide a smile seeing how irritated the men were. In a few minutes she knew they would become even more upset at being bested by not one but two bluestockings.

“Gentlemen would you care for tea,” her mother announced.

Brittany watched her father turned to Peter.

“We’ll have whiskey,” he ordered, from the hapless man.

It was Brittany’s turn to step in.

“Dearest Father, m’ lords, your choice is tea or nothing. We’ll not be having scatterbrained men listening and learning what Miss Crocker and I’ve discovered.”

If she hadn’t been a lady of the
ton
Brittany would have jumped for joy with excitement at the look on their faces, one of total disbelief.

“You heard Lady Brittany. What will it be?” Barbara announced from her seat.

Brittany smiled when they requested tea. Silence filled the room as it was poured and passed, first to the ladies then the gentlemen.

“Now, please listen without speaking to Lady Brittany and Miss Crocker as they reveal what they’ve uncovered. I do believe you’ll be astounded at what two bluestockings can find where you can’t.” Barbara smiled.

Over the next thirty minutes Brittany informed the men what she’d found hidden within the original Hersey book. At each point she directed their attention to the passages which helped cement her argument. Once finished, she turned the gathering over to Sally who expounded on the anagrams, focusing on the latest find.

“If I might ask a question?” Samuel said.

“Yes. If it’s who is in charge of the slavery ring we don’t have an answer. What we did find interesting, Mr. Winterbottom is mentioned several times and quite prominently, I might add. It will take more research into the book to find that out,” Brittany curtly told him.

“Then, I strongly recommend you return to your books while we take what little you’ve given us and attempt to find the leader,” Samuel all but ordered.

Forcing back tears, Brittany collected her documents and saw Sally also gathering up her papers. In silence they stormed from the room. On reaching Brittany’s suite only then did she finally let the tears fall.

“What had I ever saw in that pompous man? I’ve a mind to call off the wedding. At this juncture I don’t know if he’s marrying me for love, or not,” she barely got out before her crying overwhelmed her.

Chapter Twenty Two

“Aggie, I don’t want to see anyone, especially that man,” Brittany ordered from her bed, between fits of crying.

“Certainly, m’ lady. I understand but does your demand extend to Her Ladyship and Lady Wallace if they should wish to visit?”

Sitting up, Brittany glanced to Sally, “No, you should let them in. Only them.”

“Yes, m’ lady. I’ll also ask Mrs. Garrett to place several maids outside your door,” she said, curtsied then quietly slipped from the room.

“Sally, can you believe that man, dismissing us with not even a thank you? We found out information they couldn’t by using our minds instead of fists,” she stated, taking a handkerchief from her friend and indelicately blowing her nose.

“So what do you wish to do? Continue with our research to see if we can find the ring leader?” Sally inquired.

Brittany flopped back on her bed, staring at the fresco painting on the ceiling. Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock. Rolling her head to look at the door, she watched as Sally stepped over, opened it a crack and peeked out.

“It’s your mother with Lady Wallace and neither look all that pleased.”

“Yes, let them in.”

She waited until both ladies stepped in the room and the door closed.

Sliding off the bed Brittany stepped over to her mother, accepting a hug from her then from Lady Wallace.

“My dear, I can’t understand what happened moments ago with Samuel.”

“Mother, please refrain from using that man’s name,” Brittany stated firmly, to the positive reaction from both women.

“As you wish, my dear. Now, after you young ladies hastily departed, which we both felt was justified, you should have seen him. I’ve never seen someone so contrite. With time I am confident he will retract his uncalled for words,” Barbara said, just as Aggie entered with a tray.

“M’ ladies, somehow Cook learned of the event. Along with tea she sent some of her special pastries,” Aggie told them.

“Thank you and thank her for us,” Brittany said, taking a seat so she could pour.

“I will. Now several maids are standing outside your door to prevent any untoward intrusions along with another footman at the entrance to the corridor,” Aggie told them, curtsied then left.

“It seems the entire household has formed around you,” Lady Wallace uttered.

Brittany gave her a nod. She started to contemplate her actions for the next few days. Guests would arrive tomorrow. It would continue all morning and afternoon as the annual Christmas Eve ball would be held that evening.

“My dear, considering everything you’ve been through today, I’ve decided to excuse you from your duty in greeting guests tomorrow. Mayhap Miss Crocker, if she’s willing, would stand your stead,” her mother declared.

“Yes, I would be honored,” Sally voiced.

“What shall I do to pass the time until the pre-ball banquet?” Brittany asked, relieved she’d not need to deal with Samuel until the evening.

“Work on the book to find more information which can point to the leader. Take a stroll in the garden or read. The important point is to attempt to relax so you may make a decision if you wish to go through with the wedding or not.” her mother stated.

On hearing her mother’s words Brittany could feel a great weight taken off her shoulders. Whatever the decision, she knew she’d have to live with her choice.

“Thank you, Mother. I really need to think back over the past weeks to see if they outweigh the hateful words he spoke to me.”

“Now, if you’ll excuse us we must start to dress for dinner. I’ve already arranged for trays to be delivered for you ladies,” her mother announced, rising from her chair.

“Thank you, again Mother.”

“Yes, thank you Lady Sexton. And I’ll make sure she finishes every morsel of her meal,” Sally teased.

“Trust me, my dear Sally, I can assure you not only will she complete her dinner with zeal but might steal some from yours, so be careful,” Lady Wallace jokingly said.

Brittany suspected what they would be served, many of her favorite foods over several courses. She decided not to tell Sally as she wished to keep the meal a surprise. With the long table still in the suite the platters could be laid out easily. Her only hope, there wouldn’t be a footman present to serve but Aggie. She would be more comfortable discussing matters of the heart in her presence. That, plus her maid had seen how impossibly obnoxious he had been at the beginning. Brittany knew between Aggie and Sally she would receive excellent advice.

Alone with Sally she looked around her suite wondering how to occupy her time until the trays were delivered. Normally, she’d spend the next hour bathing then dressing but tonight, thanks to her mother, she didn’t need to. Instead she decided to bathe later as she knew that would help relax her. After informing Aggie of her decision, she along with Sally turned their attention back to the Hersey books.

Later, after enjoying a sumptuously prepared dinner of multiple dishes Brittany finally said good night, with promises to continue searching out the truth in the morning.

****

After a fitful night’s sleep Brittany tossed the bed covers off as Aggie slipped into the room.

“I’m not very hungry. I’ll have several slices of toast and tea”

“Yes, m’ lady. I shan’t but be a few minutes,” Aggie replied.

With her morning needs taken care of Brittany stepped back into her suite as her maid returned with the tray. With the door partially opened she was able to hear the sound of guests arriving. She wondered, with all the commotion, if she’d be able to think clearly on how to resolve her most important question. To marry Lord Samuel or not.

“As we’ve not received word of strangers in the area after I eat I’m going for a short ride. I wish to wear my dark red habit,” she instructed Aggie.

“I agree. With all the tumult for the next hours that might be for the best. Then, you’ll be able to collect your thoughts. Shall I send word to the stablemaster to have Patti ready for you in an hour?”

“Yes, but left in her stall. The safest way for me to get away will be from the rear of the barn,” she answered.

Later, dressed in her favorite riding habit, which also went with the holiday season, Brittany slipped down the servant stairs then to the barn. In minutes she stood in front of her little mare’s stall.

“Ready to stretch your legs and get away from the confusion,” she asked of Patti. Much to her surprise the mare bounced her head up and down getting a giggle from Brittany.

“M’ lady, I’ve a groom ready to accompany you,” the stablemaster told her.

“No, that won’t be necessary as I’m not leaving the estate. I just need some quiet time to think a few things through. I won’t be more than an hour or so,” she told the wizened old man who’d taught her years ago how to ride.

“Very good, m’ lady.”

****

Samuel made his way to the main dining room when he saw the panic stricken butler walking quickly toward him.

“What’s the problem, Peter?”

“M’ lord, His Lordship, requires your presence in his office at once. It would seem several unsavory men have been spotted near the estate,” the man sputtered out.

“Bring me a pot of coffee,” he ordered, before turning on his heel and retracing his steps up to the first floor.

Marching into the earl’s office Samuel saw a worried father.

“Samuel, it’s even worse than we thought. My daughter decided to go for a ride without a groom. A short while ago her mare returned without her and blood on the saddle. The bad news, my stablemaster only knows she went to the west and I’ve already ordered several grooms to search out in that direction.”

The earl’s words hit him like a solid blow from a pugilist at Gentleman Jack’s boxing house. The one true love of his life had gone missing, was possibly hurt and could be near death. All he could think, how to take back his words of yesterday.

“Eli, what do you wish of me?”

“I need you to lead one of the search parties. If you go to the east I can take several gentlemen south while more grooms, under Cole will search to the north. This way we will be able to cover the most ground in the shortest period of time,” Eli explained.

“Let me find Cole and get the search going. With unknown men in the area, time is of great import. Besides, she may be lying injured somewhere.”

“I’ve already notified him and he’s standing by awaiting my order to proceed.”